Womens March St. Petersburg, Florida

On Saturday, January 21, I marched with over 20,000 people through the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, to show my love and support for the people I share this globe with. I did not march because of a whiny person on Twitter. I marched to feel better about the dialogue happening around me and online – to feel unity and camaraderie at a time when many are polarizing. I wanted to feel community and warm fuzzies, and I found those things. (If I wanted to dwell on anger and hate, I could have found that elsewhere, by why seek that negativity out?)

Here are some reactions I captured from Facebook after the event:

DD2 with me

“It’s not just about making memories, it’s about also making history.” (My daughter wrote that one.)

“Love – not hate – makes America great.”

“How Ironic, so much division has created so much unity!”

“What an incredible historic experience.”

“I can explain it to you, but I can’t understand it for you.”

“Make rapists afraid again.”

“1 in every 2,333 persons in the world were out marching today. Let that sink in.”

“Standing up for rights with 17,000+ friends.”

“Inspiring morning of love and unity! Proud to be a part of this amazing community and country!”

“A woman’s place is in the House… and the Senate.”

“Love wins.”

“Choose Love”

“Stronger together!!!!!!”

“Demens Landing is packed for #WomensMarchStPete! I love our city!”

“Together, we’ve got this!”

“I am so proud of those who stood for LOVE today in St. Pete! Estimated attendance was 20,000+ people. Women, men, and children of all different ages, races, and sexual orientations. One Love.”

“Unforgettable experience to be among 20 thousand amazing and hopeful women and men.”

“Diversity is beautiful! Kindness is powerful! Equality is everything!”

“Just saw an older woman in a suffragette outfit. I complimented it. Her response: ‘Different era, same shit.'”

“Public displays of love and respect.”

20,000+ people marched in St. Pete.

“Today I marched next to thousands of women that stood up and spoke up about what we believe in. I was so proud to have been in the company of such welcoming and loving people. The city of St. Pete was more than gracious and kept us safe as we marched. We chanted, we yelled, we cried but mostly, we laughed, we smiled and we stood together. For those of you around the world marching with us today, thank you. We will be stronger and louder than ever before.”

“Thank you to all the marchers and supporters today. The mood was wonderfully upbeat, the commitment palpable and I really loved the signs. I look forward to joining with everyone to continue the fight.”

“Thank you, because in a very big way, this single Mom/Student feels better. I feel hope where only despair lived. Thank you all that marched (Peacefully!) so I did not fear my children being hurt.”